Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the resultant normal component of loading forces acting substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of machine elements wherein a continuous hole is bored substantially along the longitudinal axis of the machine element; an elastic line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis is arbitrarily selected and includes two spaced points, each of the points being symmetrically located with respect to the point of application of the loading forces; and mounting a transducer in the hole for measuring the change in the angle between the two tangents each extending through one of the spaced points. A transducer includes a measuring part and two expansionable attachment parts mounted at respective ends of the measuring part. Each attachment part includes means for securing the transducer in the hole within the machine element such that the measuring part extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine element.